According to records from the Federal Election Commission, Barbara Bush, one of former President George W. Bush's twin daughters, has reportedly donated $2,500 to a political action committee supporting James Talarico's campaign. Neil Bush, the former president's brother, has also cast an early vote for the Democrat.
Both are members of one of America's most prominent Republican dynasties, but Barbara is a registered independent who has supported progressive causes for years. Neil, a lifelong Republican, has crossed party lines in this race because of "deep concern about Ken Paxton's record" and a "genuine admiration for the character and principles" he sees in Talarico.
In a recent social media post, Neil explicitly criticized the Republican's conduct as Texas attorney general, pointing specifically to Paxton's legal efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results to help Donald Trump remain in power.
Voters have also questioned Paxton's character because of his 2023 impeachment over allegations of abuse of office, a securities fraud case that ended in a restitution agreement without an admission of guilt, and personal controversies, including allegations of infidelity.
Talarico, a Texas Democratic state representative and Presbyterian seminarian, is known for blending Christian language with progressive positions on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and government policy that critics argue conflict with traditional biblical teaching.
Cathie Adams of the conservative Eagle Forum says the Bushes' support for Talarico is "sickening."
"I am very sorry to hear that the Bush family has decided to vote Talarico," she tells AFN. "I don't think that there is a more radical leftist that's ever been on a ballot in the state of Texas."
Since leaving the White House, George W. Bush has focused on painting portraits of world leaders and pets, writing memoirs, playing golf and founding the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University, which houses his library and institute. He has also supported philanthropic causes related to wounded veterans, global health and PTSD advocacy.
So, Adams does not believe Neil and Barbara's support for Talarico will sway other Republicans.
"The reality is that the Bushes have not been real involved in Texas politics since President Bush was no longer in the White House … so I don't think that this is going to be very influential to any other Republican," Adams says.
She observes that Republicans in the state are "on fire for the entire Republican ticket."
Meanwhile, though RealClearPolling's overall average still gives Talarico a narrow lead, recent polling supports Adams' view and shows Paxton gaining ground in Texas.
"It's really surprising to see that Ken Paxton, at least according to the exit polling, is up," legal analyst Jenna Ellis recently told American Family Radio. "Perhaps that means that Texas is saying [no to] the values of James Talarico."
Ellis noted that while campaign rumors and online speculation surrounded candidates' absences during the campaign trail, most voters remain focused on core issues and campaign messaging rather than internet gossip.
She added that recent financial backing from national Republicans has played a critical role in closing the gap.
"The spending that the GOP is finally doing on the Paxton race is really making it a closer tie, at least in the polls," she said. "The exit polling is showing that Paxton may even have an advantage."
A Fox News poll released Oct. 21 found the candidates tied at 49% each, while an InsiderAdvantage poll conducted Oct. 13-14 showed Paxton leading 49% to 48%.
Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress, and the Nov. 3 midterm elections could shift control of the House and Senate, with Democrats needing only a small net gain of seats to take power in either chamber.
With statewide Republican races in Texas traditionally favoring GOP candidates by several points, observers expect heavy turnout on Election Day to help determine the outcome of the closely watched Senate race.
